MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chinese jigger which had escaped arrest, finally ordered by its company to turn in

Lu Rong Yuan Yu 668 was sighted with full lights on catching squid on April 28, in the Argentine Economic Exclusive Zone, EEZ

A Chinese jigger which was illegally fishing in Argentine waters and escaped from a Coast Guard patrol vessel at the end of April, finally was turned in and is being escorted to Puerto Madryn where it will face charges, according to a release from the Argentine Coast Guard.

Lu Rong Yuan Yu 668 was sighted with full lights on catching squid on April 28, in the Argentine Economic Exclusive Zone, EEZ. Ordered by the Coast Guard patrol “Prefecto Fique” to cease activities and allow an inspection party on board, the jigger ignored calls, turned all lights off, collected all fishing gear and fled into international waters.

Despite repeated radio calls in Spanish and English and sound and visual signals to make contact with the jigger, the patrol vessel started to chase it without losing visual contact, into international waters. However several hours later and in the midst of a strong wind and rolling storm, the chase was stopped but with all the necessary evidence identifying the jigger, its position and overall attitude.

As a consequence of all the evidence collected and consulting with the company that owns the identified jigger, contact was finally reestablished this month and the fishing vessel turned in and on Thursday was heading for Puerto Madryn escorted by the Coast Guard, where it will face formal charges before an Argentine federal court.

Lu Rong Yuan Yu 668 and its captain face charges of breaking the Federal Fisheries Bill, and resisting complying with authorities orders in Argentina's EEZ. The resolution will most probably include a heavy fine.